Kaolin
Scientific Name(s): Hydrated aluminum silicate., Kaolin.
Common Name(s): Argilla, Bolus alba, China clay, Heavy or light kaolin, Porcelain clay, White bole
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.
Clinical Overview
Use
Kaolin has traditionally been used internally to control diarrhea. Kaolin has also been used topically as an emollient and drying agent. Specifically, it has been used to dry oozing and weeping poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac lesions. It has also been used as a protectant for the temporary relief of anorectal itching and diaper rash.
Dosing
Diarrhea: 12 years of age and older: 26.2 g after each loose stool every 6 hours until firm stool; do not exceed more than 262 g per 24 hours; do not use longer than 2 days. Younger than 12 years of age: seek advice from physician. Diaper rash: 4% to 20% kaolin-containing products applied topically. Radiation- and chemotherapy-induced mucositis: 15 mL of kaolin/pectin and diphenhydramine in a 50:50 mixture; hold in mouth for 3 minutes.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not yet been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
FDA Pregnancy: Category C. Kaolin does not cross the placenta. There are no data regarding kaolin in breast-feeding.
Interactions
Kaolin pectin may decrease the absorption of drugs that chelate with aluminum salts (eg, digoxin, clindamycin, lincomycin). Until more information is available, avoid taking kaolin with drugs that chelate with aluminum. It may also decrease the absorption of trimethoprim and quinidine.
Adverse Reactions
Inhalation of kaolin through occupational exposure may cause pneumoconiosis.
Toxicology
Inhalation may predispose miners to pulmonary diseases.
Source
Kaolin is a hydrated aluminum silicate. It occurs naturally as a clay that is prepared for pharmaceutical purposes by washing with water to remove sand and other impurities.(1)
History
Kaolin has been used commercially and medicinally for hundreds of years. It is currently used in the manufacture of pottery, bricks, cement, ceramics, paints, plastering material, color lakes (insoluble dyes), and insulators. As a raw material, it is commonly found in paper, plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals2 and it is also used in pharmaceutical preparations as a filtering agent to clarify liquids. Evidence also suggests that kaolin may be useful in the decolorization of dye wastewater via the electrocoagulation method.3 When applied topically, it serves as an emollient and drying agent. When ingested, it acts as an adsorbent to bind GI toxins and control diarrhea.
Kaolin has been added to dusting powders and is used as a tablet excipient.
Chemistry
Kaolin has the approximate chemical formula of H2Al 2Si2O8 (H2O) and is a white or yellow-white powder that has a slightly oily feel. It is an environmentally benign aluminosilicate mineral4 that is insoluble in water.1 Light kaolin is the preferred material for use in pharmaceutical preparations. The finely divided particles yield a very large surface area that adsorbs a wide variety of compounds.
Uses and Pharmacology
Diarrhea
Animal data
Older studies report a lack of evidence of benefit for the treatment of diarrhea in animals; however, kaolin has been given to small animals, foals, calves, lambs, and kids.5, 6
